Taking a peek inside a .lua file

[explodingpony]

Hi,

I'm trying to learn how to develop a plugin and I'm wanting to have a look inside a .lua file, but it seems either obfuscated or compiled. How do I know whether it's been compiled?

e.

[johnrellis]

Many plugins distribute compiled .lua files.  Search for "decompile lua" for tools to translate compiled .lua files back into source files.  There appears to be a version of LuaDec that works for Lua 5.1 (the version of Lua used by LR 4), but I haven't tried it.

[john beardsworth]

Why don't you simply write to the author of the plugin and ask nicely for help - instead of acting deceitfully and decompiling it?

If you want to learn how to develop a plugin, there are sample files in the SDK.

[johnrellis]

Whether reverse engineering is ethical or legal is a topic that's been debated for decades.  Search for "ethics of reverse engineering" to get a sample of the arguments on all sides.

[john beardsworth]

Direct that reply at the OP, not me.

[areohbee]

johnbeardy wrote:

...acting deceitfully...

Provoke much?

R

[areohbee]

All of my plugins come with complete source code - no decompilation required.

http://www.robcole.com/Rob/ProductsAndServices

R

[JackFlint]

Thank you Rob! I'm thinking about learning the language to develop my own custom workflow and these will be a big help.